Back

The uni-liner trend is the perfect way to showcase your creativity

Pioneered by Solange, loved by all

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Content Producer / May 28 2021

It’s likely you’ve been seeing an influx of interesting eye makeup infiltrating your social feeds recently, featuring a distinct and unusual application technique. The trend in question is called ‘uni-liner’ and as you might be able to gather from the name, it requires you to cross the boundaries of eye makeup application, extending your eyeliner over the bridge of your nose for a Frida Kahlo-esque unibrow effect.

The eyeliner technique isn’t new however, no. In fact, Solange Knowles pioneered the trend back in 2008 with a startling slash of electric yellow liner across her lids; but as is expected, it’s taken a while for the rest of us to catch up to the trend-setting songstress.

Instagram MUA Jacinda Pender AKA @adultsdrink was one of the first to modernise the trend, injecting a healthy dose of eclecticism into their freehand designs utilising a thoughtful combination of colours and shapes. In an interview with Allure, Pender spoke of their inspired uni-liner looks, saying of the process, “my hands were on go mode and I just allowed them to do their job.”

“It's sort of nostalgic in a way and reminds me of childhood when we would just go crazy with colours without a care in the world. Uni-liner is about artistic freedom and expression.”

With Pender’s words of wisdom in mind, we’re carrying on the torch and supplying you all with ample uni-liner inspiration, so you can freehand draw to your little heart’s content.

1/

Pender has created an abstract uni-liner vision here, using water-activated eyeliner in a palette of primary colours.

Image credit: @adultsdrink

2/

Experiment with shapes that extend your uni-liner from one eye to the other like this amorphous blob design.

Image credit: @visiblejune

3/

Get your Jackson Pollock on and create a design that looks like you’ve thrown paint on your lids and ran out the door.

Image credit: @f.bermann

4/

We’ve been seeing a lot of wavy, earthy-toned and ‘70s-inspired patterns in nail trends recently, but the design is just as welcome on eyelids, we have to say.

Image credit: @_teffania2.0

5/

Dreamy to say the least, this hazy pink cloudscape looks like something out of an Ariana Grande music video and we’re living for every second of it.

Image credit: @_chimedolker

6/

Sometimes simple is best. Steady that hand and wiggle your liner from one side of your head to the other for a minimalistic take on the trend.

Image credit: @isabelleikpeme

7/

This acid-trip-swirl look follows the natural contours of the eye shape for a flattering finish.

Image credit: @artistry_by_alana

8/

Glittery and glam, this Xanadu-looking uni-liner moment may seem uber dreamy and relaxed, but that pro-level dimension is thanks to some expert shadow placement.

Image credit: @esantoinette

9/

If you’re going to do this standout trend you might as well go for it. And what better way to do so than slapping as many neon bright eyeliners as you can find on your face.

Image credit: @makeupbysambam

10/

Even alt-queen Doja Cat has tried this trend, opting for a Bjork-inspired take on the uni-liner look.

Image credit: @dojacat

Another makeup evolution that's maintained our attention for years? Ariana Grande's entire before and after beauty transition.

Main image credit: @isabelleikpeme, @getty, @adultsdrink

Briar Clark

Briar is a Content Producer at BEAUTYcrew. She is a self-professed skin care obsessive, always on the hunt for the perfect mascara, and can't go past a plumping lipgloss.